International Day of Sign Languages was established in honour of the creation of the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) in 1951. This is one of the oldest international organizations that defend the rights of people with disabilities, equalizing rights of deaf and hearing people. Nowadays, the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) unites 133 national associations.
It should be noted that approximately one in three people over the age of 65 suffer from hearing loss. The highest prevalence in this age group is found in South Asia, Pacific Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.
Hearing loss can be mild, moderate, severe, or profound. It can develop in one or both ears and can lead to difficulty hearing spoken language or loud sounds.
Hearing loss refers to people with hearing loss ranging from mild to severe. They usually communicate using spoken language and may use hearing aids, cochlear implants (a prosthesis allowing compensating for hearing loss) and other assistive devices to improve their hearing.
Deaf people generally suffer from profound hearing loss in which they hear very little or no hearing. Often these people use sign language to communicate.
The Human Rights Ombudsman in the Donetsk People’s Republic calls on citizens to support people who have various forms of deafness. Sincere participating each of us and common efforts can contribute to improving the living standard of people with disabilities.
